Kalpana Sharma
Updated on: October 14, 2024 12:12 pm GMT
As Karachi swelters under the relentless heat of summer, a growing number of residents are feeling the effects of a glaring urban heat island phenomenon. For many, such as domestic worker Sheema and her sister, the path home is no longer a breezy stroll but a grueling trek through scorching temperatures that seem to rise relentlessly, trapping them in a boiling bubble of concrete.
Urban Expansion and Rising Temperatures
The summer heatwave gripping Karachi has been severe, with temperatures reaching dangerous levels, often surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). This year, Karachi witnessed three significant heatwaves during late May, June, and July, with reports indicating the city experienced its highest temperatures since 2015. Increased urbanization is a major contributor to this trend.
- Karachi’s built environment has expanded dramatically, with land cover increasing from 667.01 km² in 2015 to 715.794 km² in 2023.
- The city’s rapid development consumes agricultural land while enhancing the concrete jungle effect, leading to the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon, where urban areas become significantly hotter than their rural counterparts.
Dr. Sardar Sarfraz, Chief Meteorologist, noted this differential effect across various neighborhoods. He explained, “Areas with open spaces and green cover often record lower temperatures than denser and more populated ones.” The difference can be notable; for instance, temperatures recorded at the Masroor Base observatory were often two degrees lower than those at industrial areas like Port Qasim.
Consequences of the Heatwave
Residents like Sheema are not just uncomfortable; they are at risk. Reports indicate that the Edhi Foundation’s mortuaries have seen a threefold increase in bodies this summer. Between June 15 and June 30 alone, over 1,500 bodies were processed, raising serious questions about the potential impact of heat-related illnesses.
- Symptoms reported by families of victims included high fever, dehydration, and unconsciousness, which suggest heatstroke could be a contributing factor.
- Despite these alarming figures, the local provincial health department’s data does not appear to align with those provided by welfare organizations, highlighting a gap in the reporting and tracking of heat-related health issues.
Dr. Nausheen Rauf, head of the emergency ward at Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Centre, confirmed that more heat-related cases were treated this summer than in previous years.
“Most of the people brought in were drug abusers, people living on the streets, security guards, and the labor class” struggling with serious health complaints, she stated.
Impact on Communities
The UHI effect severely impacts low-income neighborhoods like Neelum Colony and Ranchor Line, where Sheema and other residents are battling against the heat without adequate relief.
- Many homes consist of cramped apartments unable to let in cooling breezes.
- The once-breezy streets are now overdeveloped, filled tightly with high-rises that trap heat and moisture, creating an uncomfortable environment for the inhabitants.
Ganga Kumari, a resident of Ranchor Line, expressed her frustration: “Inside the house, it feels as if someone has locked us up in a hot room… it is difficult to even breathe.” The plight of residents is compounded by frequent outages of electricity, which limit their ability to find relief through fans or air conditioning.
A Call for Action
The current situation poses significant health risks for millions living in this bustling metropolis. Experts urge city planners and authorities to consider the effects of urban heat on health and well-being as they continue to develop Karachi.
- Greater investment in green spaces could help mitigate the UHI effect.
- Effective urban planning that fosters air circulation and reduces excessive heat absorption will be crucial in safeguarding residents.
Looking Ahead
As heatwaves become increasingly severe, the need for immediate action becomes more pronounced. Scientists and meteorologists emphasize that without intervention, the health and safety of Karachi’s residents will continue to be compromised.
“Heatwaves in urban areas are not just a matter of discomfort; they pose serious health risks that we must address,” said Dr. Sarfraz. “Authorities must act to introduce plans that not only tackle climate issues but also prioritize the lives of individuals like Sheema and countless others.”
For a city that once relied on the cooling breezes of its coastal location, Karachi’s future depends on how effectively it can adapt to the rising challenges of urbanization and climate change. Residents like Sheema deserve a fighting chance against the oppressive heat that now defines their daily lives.
Karachi is at an important point right now. It’s time to build strong roads and other important things because people are facing really hot summers that make life hard. Sheema’s story shows how dangerous the rising heat can be in the city. But if we take action today, we can create a better future for Karachi.
